DISTRICT MATTERS.

Hokitika Guardian, 4 January 1923, Page 4

DISTRICT MATTERS.

ACTION BY PROGRESS LEAGUE. Ai the Comity Chambers yesterd'ay forenoon, the members of tlm WVutland liraueb met .Mr R. P. Climie. organiser of the (,'n nterbury Progress League. There were present: .Messrs I). .1. Evan- (Chairman). Wild, .Morris. Cmler. .Maelaijam. lirneo and Dr Tekhelman. .Mr Ward a memlier of the Aueklaiid Chamber ol Coinmeree was present also. Tho Cbainnan welcomed Mr Chime thanking him for Ins consideration in spending his Cliristmas holiday vacatioii in Westland, and acknowledging the consistent support given by the Leagno at Christchurch, the support extended being appreciated by the. public locally. Mr Climie said he was very pleased to meet the executive of the local Branch, tie had greatly enjoyed tils holiday, and his experience in climbing in the south under the guidance of Dr Toiehe'ntaiin had whetted his appetite for more, and ho hoped to come to the Coast on future occasions and enjoy the invigorating climate. During Ins tour of the district, lie had kept Ins eyes open, and lie had to deplore the state of the main south road, lie was j i i'.are of what the Branch had been doing in the matter, hut they must continue lo urge ilni Government to do the right thing and press for urgent attention. To In e the rood was to lose their best asset for «oulh< rn development. The section <>l road near Ferguson's was. very laid and its condition robbed Dint portion oi Pie district of much of tin pleasure ol the journey. Any line of action taken by the Branch in the matter would be backed up by tbe parent body in (Tiristeliureh. While ill tbe Dkarito district, several local matters wore brought before him, notably tbe. .south bank road al \) atari! i. the rein.statemoii! of the I hive Mile Ferry, and matters in regard to tiie Okarito firry. These he would refer to the local branch to consider and present the rcquirement.-i to tho proper quarter. At present. I lie 1... ague was doing good work in advertising Canterbury, including references, to Westland. A eoiisiderab! .sum of money was subscribed for tbe purpose, and a booklet was about to be issued. lie suggested a booklet on similar lines lor Westland. which bad so many attractions worthy of a special booklet. Canterbury would subsidise the work, and take charge of the production and distribution. Several of the south people were keen to help with such a. publication. The idea of the booklet was an attractive (older with a lilief map. (pocket size), lor brnadea-l-ing purposes, and issued tree, and ol I eurse without any special trade advertisements. Mr iClimie amo gave particular -el a special leaflet- piled and issued at Christchurch as to hotel accommoadtiou both in the city and at provincial re-sorts, giving also the tanll rates at host: tries, doth public and private. The booklet and leaflet should l,e produced a - noon as possible, and it wa<- e-timaU-d an issue o! <i.fHri < ope", could be deli: tot a '.out £'7i. IL't'erriipt to Die t repo-ed exbibiMr Cbmie men! Mile, d d would • IK.l K . ueeessaiw to keep union their rest, lines. The local oojoilatnm v.n- not largt, and the hulk of the patrons woid.l have io be transported. The exhibition, however, was intended to bring patrons to the ('oast, and it would lie id-c t o -. , gani-e ~c: on.modaiicii and transport we!l in advance so as lo advertise the big function a,-v-.-ii it :n. ami aivud to the initml detail work. Mr Woodroh'e, übo vu., the technical adviser for t'i:> pre.-ent Christ, elm re!' exhibition would be able to give them sound and experienced advice. h was duo mainly to hi- iMr W oodrolie's) personal knowledge and t-iv-rgy that- tin* marked stivces, was lacing achieved at Christcnm ch. si.ieg of the Arthur's Pa-s inline!. .Ur Climie said it did not seem pi'.seioi" in i e.iiitate accurately when the tunnel would be ready for traffic, but the prospects w ore that it would be ready in April. Fuquiry from the Mii.i.-tcr of i'uiiile it eras had tailed to e!i: it a deiiuite reply on the point. Personally lie would bo visiting Die tunnel monthly, and would do his best in <■■miunei leu with the ague .(liiganKalion. to havt- mailers toeussett as soon as pc.--Pile. !!•• desired in coiteiiisioii to thank them all. and particularly tile ...outii people, for many kindnesses extended during hi.s short, visit to the district-. In reply to .Mr Butler. Air Climie said the booklet could be issued within a month or six weeks, if it was decided to carry elie idea out. The League would tinanee the publication subject to local (ontribiition.s. The publicity in regard to the district should be sustained and not spasmodic. Regarding the south road. .Mr Climie urged sustained agitation. The state of the road was a losing proposition from a national standpoint-. As a matter of fact tyres were not worn out on the Coast, they were erft to pieces. 1 hr district was in an exceptional position and the Government should be brought to realise Di-r- circumstances and have the road attended to systematically. In reference to Arthur's Pass tunnel. Air Climie concurred with Air lilitler lhat repeated application should lie made to the Department month by month for information as to the opening of tin) tunnel for traffic, as the d-.ic had an important bearing on east and west trading relations. Speaking again ol the state of the .until ro; d. Air Climie said it necessary a, deputation, to the (»overiiineut should be organised. It would have the hacking of the League in the desire to see the road put into good order. Home attention was necessary also, ro work' which came within the Tourist Department, such as the restoration of the Gallery at Waiho Glacier, and huts at the Fox ('lacier. Tlio scenic assets et the district were not receiving the proper attention in the win of development, and it was suggested the .Ministers in charge of important public departments should he invited to visit the district and see the potentialities of tho place. The Chairman conveyed the thanks of the meeting to Air Climb for bis attendance and information afforded: and also extended a welcome to Air Ward of Auckland, as a visitor u> ties town and district. Tho meeting then closed.

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